Summary of Goals
SUMMARY AND GOALS FROM THE 2006 CONVENTION
Millennium Development Goals Discussion at Diocesan Convention
Saturday afternoon of convention 2006 was dedicated to a presentation about the MDGs given by a team of young adults. This was followed by table discussions in which the ideas were recorded and posted on sheets of paper. People were asked to consider what we can do as individuals, as church congregations and as a diocese to support the MDGs. We closed with a quiet meditation time during which people were invited to write down a personal commitment statement on a card.
We gathered 350 of those personal dedication cards and included the cards as part of offering at the Sunday Eucharist. By the end of the afternoon there were 60 discussion summary papers posted on the wall. Below is a summary of the ideas which came out of both processes:
What can I do as an Individual? Donating money and food, dedicating 0.7% of their budget to MDGs, volunteering, recycling and environmental awareness, preaching, teaching classes, advocating politically, dedicating a Sunday to MDGs and praying were things people are doing and would do. Episcopal Relief and Development was mentioned many times including buying Christmas presents from the Gifts for Life catalogue. Some had worked overseas, and others would like to do so. Adopting a child, and the Companion Diocese of Honduras were mentioned.
What can we do as a Church? People listed shelter and food assistance in large numbers. Recycling and environmental concerns were mentioned. Support for Episcopal Relief and Development, UTO, the Heifer Project, and Habitat for Humanity were all mentioned. There were many comments about local and community projects, and working with other churches. Interest in involving the youth of the congregation was listed by a number of groups. Educating and communicating with the congregation was an important idea. Some groups wanted the church to adopt the .7% for the church to give.
What can we do as a Diocese? In addition to all of the above, the Diocese is seen as an educator and communicator of information, ideas, and projects. The Missionary was mentioned as a way to communicate as well as information and links on the web site. Many would like to see opportunities for networking and partnering with other congregations in the diocese. (see Ideas and Projects). There was strong interest in diocesan level involvement in the companion relationship with Honduras, support of Episcopal Relief and Development and budgeting 0.7%. for MDG support. Continuing and additional diocesan youth involvement in working to achieve the MDGs was supported. Mention was made of continuing this discussion on a diocesan level in the future. The Bishop's Conference